Wang rejects false charges of ‘genocide’
FM says malicious, politically driven hype could not be further from truth
“Human rights are not a monopoly ... even less should they be used as a tool to pressure other countries and meddle in their internal affairs.” WANG YI
State Councilor and Foreign Minister
China has rejected false accusations of “genocide”, “forced labor” and “religious suppression” in the Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region, saying the door to the region is always open and it welcomes the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights for a visit.
State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi made the remark on Feb 22 when addressing the highlevel meeting of the 46th session of UN Human Rights Council via video conference.
Wang said the inflammatory accusations are fabricated out of ignorance and prejudice, which are simply malicious and politically driven hype that could not be further from the truth.
He added that people from many countries who had visited Xinjiang had learned the facts and truth on the ground.
Wang reiterated that the essence of the Xinjiang issue is anti-terrorism and anti-separatism issues.
With the efforts of locals from all ethnic groups, he said there have been no cases of violent terrorism for more than four years in Xinjiang, adding that the region enjoys social stability and a sound development momentum. The local people are living safe and happy lives.
“Based on law, Xinjiang guarantees people’s freedom of religious belief,” said Wang during the meeting.
The Uygur population and workers of all ethnic groups in Xinjiang can choose professions based on their own will, and enjoy the benefits of labor rights.
China will continue to promote international dialogue and cooperation on human rights, but Wang said the country opposes using double standards to make slanderous attacks on other countries or using human rights as an excuse to interfere in the affairs of other countries.
“Human rights are not a monopoly of a small number of countries, and even less should they be used as a tool to pressure other countries and meddle in their internal affairs,” he said.
Global human rights governance should be advanced through consultation among all countries, and the benefits of human rights progress should be shared by people of all countries, Wang said.
Wang called for upholding both universality and specifics of human rights. The UN Charter and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights have set out lofty ideals and basic principles for advancing human rights, which should be observed and delivered by all countries. At the same time, they should promote and protect human rights in light of their realities and the needs of their people.
Wang also stressed a people-centered human rights philosophy, saying that increasing people’s sense of gain, happiness and security is the fundamental pursuit of human rights as well as the ultimate goal of national governance.
On Feb 23, Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin echoed the views, and slammed Canada’s House of Commons for voting to declare China’s treatment of its Uygur minority population a “genocide” and asking Canada to call on the International Olympic Committee to remove the 2022 Winter Olympics from Beijing.
The spokesman condemned and opposed the motion at a daily news briefing, and said that China has lodged a stern representation to Canada.
The motion ignored facts and common sense, and violated international laws and basic norms governing international relations, Wang Wenbin said. Some Canadian politicians blatantly politicize sports, and such a move runs counter to the Olympic Charter and jeopardizes the Olympics and interests of athletes around the world, he said.
He also said that some individuals in Canada have never visited China and Xinjiang, but politically manipulated the Xinjiang issue under the guise of human rights and spread disinformation and lies.
He stressed Xinjiang affairs are China’s internal affairs and Canada is neither entitled nor holds the right to interfere. The spokesman added the country will take resolute response to any action that undermines its interests.